All Automobiles Need to Be Lubricated
Question: Can you tell me if my new 1989 Buick LeSabre has grease plugs in the suspension system that need to be lubricated in the usual manner? I have read that some new cars do not need this maintenance. --S.M.
Answer: All the computer chips, fuel injection systems and high-technology paints in new cars have not changed the basic need for a periodic greasing. I am not aware of any new cars that come without any recommended greasing intervals, and I would be skeptical if any did.
Some suspension parts are now advertised as being lubricated and sealed for life. You can be sure that means at least for the life of the manufacturer’s warranty, but after that expires, it’s anybody’s guess how long the parts will last.
Universal joints on front-wheel-drive cars are a good example of parts that are terribly expensive to replace and typically fail when the lubrication runs out or dirt enters through a broken seal.
Years ago, car manufacturers introduced suspension parts that had extended lubrication intervals of up to 36,000 miles. They were supposed to work by holding grease in a rubber bladder, but the bladders would often burst from too much grease and then allow dirt to enter. A frequent lubrication also has the beneficial effect of forcing dirt contained in the old grease out of suspension parts.
Virtually all new General Motors cars still require greasing of the suspension system at 7,500-mile intervals. But that recommendation should be taken as a maximum rather than a minimum, because heavy city driving or dusty conditions can wear out suspension parts quickly.
The number of greasing nipples varies from model to model. Small and medium-size front-wheel-drive cars such as yours have six nipples, usually on the tie rod ends and the ball joints. Some of the bigger GM cars, such as the Oldsmobile 98, have six nipples in the front and six in the rear.
Q: I am going to be taking a long trip soon and have been warned about roadside rip-offs. I have seen stories about what to watch out for, but I can’t remember all of the precautions. Could you offer any suggestions? --A.V.
A: Automobile repair rip-offs cost Americans billions of dollars every year. The worst of these scams involve the tawdry roadside routines pulled off by small-time crooks.
You pull up for gasoline on a vacation, and while you are gassing up, the mechanic suddenly finds a threatening problem with your car. Typical ones involve tires, which are alleged to be defective or which are actually punctured while the motorist isn’t watching.
Others include finding fan belts that are allegedly ready to break or have been cut by the station attendant. If your car is overheating, you will be offered an expensive water pump when in fact you may only need coolant. Shock absorbers and spark plugs are other favorite items that station attendants seem only too ready to fix.
Before you set out on your trip, you ought to have your regular mechanic go over the car. You ought to be very leery of any station attendant who suggests any repairs. Qualified auto mechanics don’t usually pump gasoline.
